While I don't think Judith is using pc as a foundation (she is talking about expensive ready mix concrete or a concrete mixer for the foundation), pc in contact with dirt depends on where you are. Here in west Texas I have a back stoop that was poured into a hole with no lining, and has been just fine for eight years now. I would not be surprised to find black mold on the bottom if I ever turn it over, but I don't have any plans to do that. My papercrete dome(s) are still unsealed, never got around to it. When it rains it gets wet, then it dries out. No problem. Of course we only get 8 inches per year, and generally have low humidity so drying time is much more available than wet time.
I have read about Mike McCain's projects including a building to grow mushrooms, where the walls and foundations were cast from pc in contact with the earth, and they run a hose all the time on the pc roof to keep the inside humidity high. This one is in Colorado, which isn't nearly as arid as west Texas. Last report I read showed no problems. Can't seem to find the url tonight...
I'm not recommending that you make a pc foundation, just saying that results will vary depending on local conditions.
spaceman
thelandyachtaustin wrote:
Am I reading you right, you're planning on making the foundation outta PC? I thought that was a serious no-no because of the wicking effect. Or have I mis-read someone's comments? --- In papercreters@yahoogroups.com, JUDITH WILLIAMS <williams_judith@...> wrote:Been out at the site all day. Had the guy come to dig the foundation. What a job! The ground is 90% rocks, digging by bobcat done, now the shoveling starts. I got the trenches cleared of rocks but am thinking of how much concrete needs to be mixed in a rented mixer or the usual way in the wheelbarrow. Not sure the padobe will work out. The stuff I poured yesterday is still very wet. took the form off and some corners fell off, even after 24 hrs. I'm thinking it's just too much to try something so new with the prospect that it will bomb. I love my idea for the slip forming and have the forms all worked out and half built. So may go with my original papercete mix and enjoy the whole process. I am so tired tonight I am not even human, but tomorrow is another day with entirely new promises. Will keep you posted. Sincerely, Judith Check out my new Squidoo Lens at http://www.squidoo.com/papercretebyjudith EMAILING FOR THE GREATER GOOD Join me------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/papercreters/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/papercreters/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:papercreters-digest@yahoogroups.com mailto:papercreters-fullfeatured@yahoogroups.com <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: papercreters-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
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